Ocho Tequila

In 2008, driven by a shared passion for agave spirits and inspired by the traditions of fine winemaking, Carlos Camarena and Tomas Estes embarked on a mission: to prove the existence of terroir in tequila. Carlos, a fifth-generation farmer and third-generation tequilero, joined forces with Tomas, the man who introduced tequila culture to Europe. Together, they created Tequila Ocho, a spirit that embodies the purest expression of the Blue Weber Agave.

Carlos Camarena, Ocho's co-founder and master distiller, comes from a long line of tequila producers. His great-grandfather is credited with bringing Blue Agave to the Highlands of Jalisco, a pivotal moment for Mexican tequila. With a background in agronomy, Carlos possesses an unparalleled understanding of the land. His dedication to family, the land, and agave has established him as one of the world's most respected tequila makers. He has been recognized with numerous accolades, including a medal from the President of Mexico for his contributions to the tequila industry (2010), the "Distiller of the Year" award from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2005), and a Gold Star from the World Marketing Organization (2009).

Tomas Estes, a bar and restaurant owner for over 45 years and founder of the Pacifico Group (1976), was instrumental in promoting tequila, agave spirits, and Mexican culture globally. He was honoured as the official Tequila Ambassador to Europe by the Mexican National Tequila Chamber. In 2012, he authored "The Tequila Ambassador," a definitive work on the subject. Tomas received Lifetime Achievement awards from CLASS, Theme, FIBAR, and the ISC, among others. His passion and respect for tequila were evident in everything he did, and he is deeply missed.

The spirit of the land—Espiritu de la Tierra Mexicana—has profoundly influenced Tequila Ocho. This spirit, woven into the craft and traditions passed down through generations, embodies the essence of Mexican culture. It is a spirit of celebration, passion, and heartfelt expression.

The name "Ocho" (eight in Spanish) holds significant meaning:

• It was the eighth sample created by the Camarenas for Tomas.
• The agaves ripen for eight years before harvest.
• The company was founded in 2008.
• It takes eight days from the agave arriving at the distillery to becoming blanco tequila.
• Eight kilograms of agave are used to make one litre of Ocho tequila.
• Carlos Camarena is one of eight siblings.
• The Camarena family has been producing tequila for eight decades.
• Ocho Reposado is aged for eight weeks and eight days.

Tequila Ocho is a single-estate tequila, emphasizing the importance of terroir. The brand is committed to sustainability, guided by Carlos Camarena’s philosophy: “Remain loyal to your roots…remain loyal to your traditions…remain loyal to who you are…because your past…is your present…and will be your future.”